Taking the Burn Out of Heart-Burn…

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
FOR HEART-BURN/GASTRIC REFLUX

Suffer from gastric reflux? There are some alternative therapies that may help you avoid dependence on medication. Our Integrative physicians, Dr. Heidi Meyer and Dr. Raymond Lane list a few suggestions to try.

Aloe Juice or Ginger Root for Inflammation: Aloe and ginger are powerful anti-inflammatories. Drink 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice or ginger tea before meals. To make ginger tea add two or three slices of fresh ginger root to two cups of hot water. Let steep for about half an hour. Drink about 20 minutes or so before your meal.
Chamomile Tea: One to two hours before bed, try a cup of chamomile tea, it soothes stomach inflammation and will help you sleep.

Vitamin D: You need Vitamin D to help fight infections. If your vitamin D is low take an oral vitamin D3 supplement with vitamin K2.

Astaxanthin: This exceptionally potent herb reduces symptoms of acid reflux, particularly in those that have a helicobacter pylori infection. Best results are obtained at a daily dose of 40 mg.

Slippery Elm: Slippery elm coats and soothes the skin throughout your digestive tract and it stimulates the nerves in your GI tract which results in a thicker mucus secretion; protecting your GI tract against excess acidity. Pour two cups boiling water over two tablespoons of powdered bark, steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Drink 3 times per day; or take capsules, 400-500 mg 3 to 4 times daily for 4 to 8 weeks. Avoid taking slippery elm within two-hours of any other prescribed medication as it will interfere with absorption.

Glutamine: Helps correct damage caused by H. pylori. Found in many foods, including beef, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, and some fruits and vegetables. L-glutamine is also widely available as a supplement.

Folate and other B Vitamins: High folic acid intake reduces risk of acid reflux by 40% and vitamin B2 and B6 levels are also important for recovery. Eat vitamin-B rich foods, such as dark leafy greens, asparagus, spinach, okra, and beans.

An integrative approach to medicine takes into account your entire lifestyle, medical history, and environment as part of diagnosing and prescribing treatment. Treatment plans incorporate alternative therapies and treat holistically, rather than focusing on one specific symptom. This approach is particularly helpful for those suffering from chronic conditions or auto-immune disease.

> Categories

Kaiser Permanente Positive Choice Integrative Wellness Center

7035 Convoy Court
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 573-0090

Serving all of San Diego, California Kaiser Permanente Health Plan Members and everyone else!

NUTRIMED® and OPTIFAST® Meal Replacements

The Positive Choice Integrative Wellness Center at Kaiser Permanente uses liquid meal replacements combined with medical supervision and a multi-disciplinary behavior modification program to help you lose weight and keep that weight off for good > Read More

From the Blog

Quicklinks

Services described here are provided on a fee-for-service basis. These services are not provided or covered by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., and you are financially responsible to pay for them. Clinical services are provided by providers or contractors of The Permanente Medical Group, Inc. Results of services vary among patients and cannot be guaranteed. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. ("Health Plan"), and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals may receive compensation for providing facilities and/or other support in connection with these services. These services are not meant to replace any covered services under the Health Plan. If you are a Health Plan member, please check your Evidence of Coverage.